The Impact of Open Source

Learning can occur anytime. Technology allows learners to participate in courses online where they can learn at their own pace, while promoting active learning and tracking their needs (Simonson et al. 2009).

A good course management system (CMS) enables “teachers of conventional face-to-face courses to provide learning resources and conduct course-related activities, such as discussions and testing, outside of normal class time” (Simonson et al. 2009, p.238). Some of the tools that can be utilized within a CMS to enhance student learning include a strong communication link which would allow participants to create an online journal using a blog format or a discussion board allowing open communication among students and the instructor (Simonson et al. 2009).

This week I chose to review an open source course to see if it would deliver what it advertised. Yale University offers free courses ranging from chemistry to sociology. I was intrigued by their choice called the ‘classics’ so off I went to see what the course contained. http://oyc.yale.edu/classics

I love Greek history so was thrilled to see the free course offered by Professor Donald Kagan. The overview of the course was specific and detailed each session along with how the material could be obtained. The course met the requirements for distance learning as it provided the material in three different formats; audio, video, and course materials. Simonson et al. (2009) noted for,”high-quality courses, there should be an emphasis on the use of various forms of visual media to offer instructional content” (p.157).

 http://oyc.yale.edu/classics/introduction-to-ancient-greek-history/content/sessions.html

Each lecture provided the learner with transcripts which I found very useful to download and save for future reverence. http://oyc.yale.edu/classics/introduction-to-ancient-greek-history/content/transcripts/transcript2-the-dark-ages

This course provided a syllabus along with all downloads required for the course.

http://oyc.yale.edu/classics/introduction-to-ancient-greek-history/content/sessions/session-2-the-dark-ages

 There was a survey for participants to complete and the course included a component called ‘study group’ which allowed me to discuss the course with other learner’s.

http://retro.openstudy.com/study-groups/CLCV%20205,%20Introduction%20to%20Ancient%20Greek%20History%20(Open%20Yale%20Courses)

I find I learn best by watching videos along with reading the course material. The videos were clear and crisp. Distractions were non-existent allowing me to focus on what Professor Kagan said. Below is the link to the intrdocution video by Professor Kagan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FrHGAd_yto

 Each session included videos making it easy to move back and forth between sessions without difficulty.

I truly enjoyed this course as it maximized my learning potential and included sufficient activities for me to remain engaged throughout the entire course (Simonson et al. 2009).I can honestly say I was so impressed by this course and how it was designed that I have participated in most of the other free courses that Yale offers. Engaging a learner is one thing, but to keep them wanting more is truly magical.

References

Kagan, D (2007). CLCV 205. Introduction to ancient Greek History. Retrieved July 31, 2011 from:

http://oyc.yale.edu/classics/introduction-to-ancient-greek-history/

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.